Tasmanian researchers need vital input from anyone affected by flooding across northern Tasmania in October 2022.
The University of Tasmania’s Dr Darryl Stellmach from the Cradle Coast campus is leading the research and would like northern Tasmanians who were flooded or cut off by floodwaters last year to complete an online questionnaire.
This critical research is conducted by Natural Hazards Research Australia in partnership with the University of Tasmania, Macquarie University and the Tasmania State Emergency Service.
“Many parts of northern Tasmania had devastating flooding last October. We want to hear from anyone that was affected. Their answers to our questionnaire will give vital insights on preparedness and response and reduce future flood risk,” Dr Stellmach explained.
“The questionnaire is open right now and will be until the end of August.”
The questionnaire will take around 30 minutes to complete, so grab a cup of tea or coffee when you sit down to complete it. Please note the survey is not suited to a mobile device and is best completed on a computer.
Every story is important and there is a wide range of flood impacts, Dr Stellmach explained.
“Not everyone who was affected will have had water in their home or business. You may have chosen to spend the night away due to flood concerns, or perhaps your access roads were cut off by floodwaters and you were isolated for a period of time. We want to hear about a wide range of experiences.”
“This work will benefit northern Tasmania but will importantly inform response for future floods and other emergencies across Tasmania and even nationally.
“By contributing to the research you can help community safety strategies, influence future policy and affect planning and preparedness for future floods. This can take many forms. Examples could be shaping what preparedness information is communicated and when; helping with the structure and content of warnings; or informing emergency response itself,” Dr Stellmach said.
This research is being undertaken in flood-affected areas across northern Tasmania, including the Launceston, the Meander Valley, Kentish, Latrobe, Northern Midlands, Central Coast and Break O’Day local government areas. It builds on research from Natural Hazards Research Australia on the 2022 floods in New South Wales and Queensland. By gathering data and combining learnings from all three states, the national research will help improve community safety strategies, influence future policy and plan and prepare for future floods. The findings from the research will be shared with the emergency services nationally.
This independent research is funded by Natural Hazards Research Australia.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES – Please contact Nathan Maddock at Natural Hazards Research Australia – 0410 998 600 or nathan.maddock@naturalhazards.com.au
RESEARCH REGISTRATION – online at naturalhazards.com.au/floods2022